Andy’s
Seasoning will continue to fulfill the promise that CEO Katherine
Anderson made to employees decades ago when she told them, “Andy’s
will bless them as Andy’s is blessed.”
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>Anderson
died on Nov.
21, 2011, due to complications associated with a year-long illness.
She was 79. She is credited with expanding the Andy’s Seasoning
brand and successfully navigating the firm through a tumultuous
financial period following the abrupt death of her husband, Reuben
“Andy” Anderson, in November 1996. She and Reuben founded Andy’s
Seasoning in 1981.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>In a recent message to employees, Larry W. Lee, Anderson’s son and successor, told them that the business – or their positions – aren’t going anywhere.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>“My mother’s desire was to let each of you know individually and personally how much she appreciates your service and your helping her build this company,” Lee said.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>“She asked that we continue the legacy of Andy’s by working hard to ensure Andy’s survival and growth so you will have a job for as long as you want a job at Andy’s.”
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>Following her husband’s death in 1996, Anderson was forced to seize the leadership reigns at Andy’s. She quickly transitioned from a St. Louis city government worker to CEO of Andy’s multi-million dollar operations. She prepared for the daunting task by working day and night, Lee said. During the day, she learned the business while meticulously overseeing the firm’s operations. In the evening, she attended business management classes and strengthened her business acumen.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>Bolstered by faith and a supportive staff, Anderson elevated Andy’s Seasoning to new heights. Under her leadership, Andy’s reached a milestone of 25 years in business in 2006 and completed a 15,000 square feet expansion at its facility at 2829 Chouteau Avenue. The business also achieved significant sales increases in all segments of its seasoning and breading business.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>The unique taste of Andy’s Seasoning also is among the ingredients of two breading/batters for McDonald’s chicken nuggets in Arkansas, Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee. Reuben’s brother, German Anderson, first suggested that Katherine’s homemade fish breading should be on the market. And now the products are available in Schnucks, Shop ‘N Save, Dierbergs, Food For Less and other small- to mid-size stores throughout Missouri.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>Anderson
leadership led her to receiving one of Mayor Francis G. Slay’s
Spirit Awards, and she was honored at the Mayor’s Business
Celebration luncheon. She was also the St. Louis American
Foundation’s 2006 Entrepreneur of the Year.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>Today, three of Anderson’s sons hold executive positions in the company. The Rev. Larry Lee is director of operations, Michael Lee is plant manager and Roy Lee is manager for information technology.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>“Katherine Anderson was the most giving person our family has ever known,” Larry Lee said, on behalf of the family, in a statement.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>“She did immeasurable good and helped people in the most quiet unassuming way. She was candid, never held a grudge and was an outstanding matriarch. She imparted wisdom and instilled the principles of hard work, punctuality, and honesty. We were blessed to have her and her presence will be missed.”
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>Anderson
was an
involved community member and ardent supporter of charitable
causes. She served on the board of St. Louis Gateway Classic Sports
Foundation and formerly served on the board of United Way of
Greater St. Louis. She was a member/affiliate of the National
Association of Female Executives (NAFE), St. Louis Minority
Business Council (SLMBC) and St. Louis Regional Chamber &
Growth Association.
“font-size: 9pt; font-family: Verdana;”>“Katherine Anderson was a force for good in this region,” said Orv Kimbrough, senior vice president, United Way of Greater St. Louis.
“She touched a lot of lives in the nearly 20
years that she was affiliated with United Way and the Charmaine
Chapman and de Tocqueville Societies. Let her legacy of giving be
an example to us all.”
